USA Direct Opens Mail Safety Assurance Program

Direct mailer USA Direct Inc. said yesterday that it has developed a new seal program designed to ensure the safety and security of its clients' mail.

The seals, placed over the back flap of an envelope, come in two varieties and bear these messages: "We Support America. Do Not Open If Safety Shield Has Been Broken," and "This Package Has Been Assembled by USA Direct. Do Not Open If Safety Shield Has Been Broken."

"This project originated with the September 11 attacks," said Richard Osborne, CEO of USA Direct, York, PA. "We initially designed a label to affix to our packages that simply said, 'We Support America.' When the anthrax scare struck the nation, we decided to add an additional safety message."

USA Direct processes direct mail campaigns at its location in York, which helps the company maintain security.

"We mail more than 10 million letters, cards and packages directly from our own facilities each day," Osborne said. "Our mail is handled only by USA Direct personnel in a safe environment, using our own mailing materials. We're confident about the safety of our packages because we have strict procedures in place that personnel are required to follow, to check all the mail that goes out."

USA Direct also said yesterday that its customers can use a "Security Mail Notice" at no charge for the next 90 days. Using the client's database of e-mail addresses, USA Direct e-mails the client file a notice that an inspected and sealed mail piece will arrive around a designated date.

"While no one can guarantee everyone's absolute safety in the current political climate, there are ways to take individual steps to improve security in daily operations," Osborne said.